You've heard it since you were a kid: for good health, eat more fresh fruits.

But, to do it, it's going to cost you more.

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USDA Economist and Food Price Tracker, Carolyn Chelius, said consumers in 2019 and 2020 got a break on fresh fruits with prices down both years. She noted, last year, fresh fruits was the only category to see a price decrease. But this is 2021, and fresh fruit on average is costing about 5.5% more than a year ago at this time and since the start of this year.

"We've seen a 3.3% price increase for fresh fruits so far in 2021," Chelius noted.

Where are prices climbing the most?

"Citrus prices have really increased and are driving a lot of that change."

In March, citrus fruit prices were 10% higher than March of last year; oranges prices were up 8% year-over-year.
One reason for the increase, supply. The Ag Department says the U.S. orange crop this year is going to be 15% below last year due to dry weather and citrus diseases in Florida.  Storms and freezes are impacting other citrus growing areas as well. 

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